John Kimbrough, a renowned fullback, played for Texas A&M University and was a member of the Aggies' 1939 National Championship team.
He showcased his exceptional skills in the Sugar Bowl on January 1, 1940, rushing for 159 yards and scoring two touchdowns as the Aggies defeated Tulane 14-13, claiming their only National Championship.
In 1940, Kimbrough finished second in the Heisman Trophy race, narrowly missing out to Tom Harmon, the University of Michigan's running back.
As a result of his newfound fame, Kimbrough became a poster boy for Chesterfield cigarettes and even signed a movie contract with 20th Century-Fox, starring in two westerns, Lone Star Ranger (1942) and Sundown Jim (1942).
He later joined the army and served in World War II in the Pacific, before becoming a professional football player with the Los Angeles Dons of the All-American Football Conference from 1946 through 1948.
As a professional, Kimbrough carried the ball 329 times for 1,224 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry, and scored 17 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 35 passes, six of which resulted in touchdowns.
After his playing days were over, Kimbrough entered politics and served in the Texas State Legislature from 1953 to 1955.
Even decades after his career as a football player and politician, Kimbrough continued to receive hundreds of letters in the mail asking for his autograph, a testament to his enduring popularity.
Kimbrough had to wait almost 60 years to receive his 1939 National Championship ring, which was presented to him and 18 other surviving members of that year's team during a pre-game ceremony at Texas A&M's Kyle Field in 1998.
On that sunny day, the Aggies took the field and shocked #2-ranked Nebraska 28-21.
